Peace education begins at home, Vatican tells Buddhists

Published: 23 April 2007

In its annual message to the world's Buddhists as they celebrate their
Feast of Vesakh, the Vatican says that interreligious harmony is
possible even in areas ravaged by war, starting with peace education in
"ordinary homes".

The
statement released yesterday was issued by the Pontifical Council for
Inter-religious Dialogue and signed by Cardinal Paul Poupard and
Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata, Catholic World News reports.

Each
year the Vatican sends a message to the world's Buddhists, for the
feast of Vesakh, the festival of light. This year's message calls for
"concrete gestures which reflect the respect for the dignity of others."

The
Vatican calls of "education for peace" that begins at home, is
reinforced by schools and by the media, and helps to "dispel ignorance
and impart knowledge" while placing emphasis on "the transcendental
dimension of life which arises from the spiritual nature of all people."

"Even
in places where people experience daily the ravages of war, fuelled by
sentiments of hatred and vengeance, trust can be restored," the
statement says.

"Together we can help to create the space and
the opportunities for people to talk, listen, share regrets and offer
forgiveness for each other's past mistakes."